Lopota resort (Telavi) hosted the fifth stage of FIDE Women’s Grand Prix. Yifan was the only participant who has not lost a game at the tournament.

“World Sport” talked to world champion Hou Yifan after the end of the tournament.

- Congratulations on the first place and the main prize.

- Thank you.

- The best chess player of the third stage will be your opponent in World Championship final. In your opinion, who has the best chance to play against you in the final?

- According to the decision of FIDE, if I manage to win Grand Prix, then in World Championship final I will play the chess player who will take the second place at Grand Prix. Perhaps, my opponent will be Humpy Koneru (India) because we have the best chance to take the first-second place at Grand Prix.

- Some journalists think you and Carlsen are geniuses…

- Thank you for the compliment. As for Carlsen, I have met him at different tournaments and I must admit he is a great chess player.

- What caused the popularity of chess in China?

- The government officials have developed a special program 12-13 years ago and the society got interested in chess.

- What caused your interest toward chess?

- When I won a serious tournament, I got interested in chess.

- You are studying at the Faculty of International Relations at the university. On which one do you spend most time?  

- I spend my time equally on both of them.

- After such success in chess why did you decide to study the second profession?

- I think these two professions fill each other.

- Finally, which one will you choose?

- I can combine the both professions.

- Besides chess, which sport are you fond of?

- I love swimming and playing with skipping-rope.

- What do you do in your free time?

- I love travelling and reading books. At first I liked classic books. Now I am interested in historic and biographical books.

- Do you like Georgia?

- It is a good country.

- Have you noticed anything common between the Georgian and the Chinese nature?

- I do not know Georgia well and I cannot compare these two countries.

- Are you married?

- No, I am not.

- Do you have a boyfriend?

- Not yet.

- At the age of 20 you managed to win the championship title three times. Are you going to sit on the throne of the chess queen for a long time?

- It is impossible to plan it. It depends on my form and opponents.

Roland Labuchidze